This paper charts the catalytic forces of urbanism in a small area in Southern Uganda. It shows that the roads, the rail lines and the rail station played a major role in spreading urbanism in the countryside. But the main focus of the paper is on Mukono township. It is argued that the life cycle of Mukono township is closely linked to the interests of landlords. Mukono, the place and Kyagwe, the region, were accorded prominence in the oral traditions of the development and consolidation of the pre-colonial Buganda state. Throughout colonial and post-independence times, Mukono served as headquarters for Kyagwe county. Since 1974, Mukono has also been the district headquarters of the East Mengo district.

Mukono township as perceived by the local people consists of two dozen building structures situated at a major crossroads. Mukono is crossed by the major roads connecting the northern counties and districts to the capital city and the major road connecting Uganda to the Kenyan seaport of Mombasa. There are also minor roads connecting Mukono to the surrounding agricultural areas and the fishing points of Lubanga on Lake Victoria.

In reality, Mukono is much more than the shops, tea rooms and bars at the crossroads. Mukono is surrounded by undulating hills on which are situated institutions that serve important functions to the environs. Mukono has been famous because of its schools which educated quite a sizeable number of prominent Ugandans. During the 1920s, the Church Missionary Society acquired twenty acres under the British-introduced free hold land tenure system.